About Ryan

Ryan Calkins was elected to the Port of Seattle Commission in 2017. Ryan works as a nonprofit professional at Ventures, a charitable organization that supports low income entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in the Puget Sound area.

For more than a decade Ryan ran an import and distribution company in Seattle that was recognized for its industry-leading sustainability initiatives. Prior to his work in business, Ryan worked in Central and South America for disaster relief and human rights nonprofits.

Commissioner Calkins focuses on sustainable economic development at the Port of Seattle, working to ensure that our region's prosperity is shared among all of our communities. Ryan balances current needs with a long-term vision for the Port of Seattle, to ensure that one of our region's most valuable public assets will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Born and raised in Edmonds by a public school teacher and a small business owner, Ryan now lives in Seattle with his wife and three children.

"Ryan shares my commitment to supporting our immigrant and refugee communities, to fair pay and working conditions for our working families, and to improving our transportation infrastructure. As a leader, he promises to strengthen the relationship between the Port of Seattle and the City of Seattle so that we can make progress on the issues affecting our communities." Seattle City Councilmember Lorena Gonzalez

"Ryan represents new leadership for the Port at a time when improved accountability to voters is sorely needed. He has proposed electing commissioners by district rather than five county-wide seats, which would ensure a more representative commission and help bring people closer to their government. Ryan is an advocate for our environment, for fair wages, and for shared prosperity for all members of our community. I enthusiastically endorse him for the Port Commission, and I hope King County voters will join me." Seattle City Councilmember Debora Juarez

"The Port of Seattle is a key driver for our regional economy, and Ryan is the kind of thoughtful leader we need at the table as we address issues of affordability and homelessness in our region. His passion for economic equity, environmental justice, and open government make him an excellent candidate for the Port Commission." State Representative Nicole Macri (D-43)